JTPinTX
Custom Call Maker
My oldest son is getting ready to buy a calling/plinking rifle, and is looking for advice on some different brands/models he should be looking at.
His criteria is a sporter weight 223, something nice and easy to carry. Blued finish is fine, I can always cerakote it for him if he wants that later. Same on the stock, decent wood would be fine, but a synthetic I could do some cerakote camo on it for him would work as well. He would prefer one with a decently stable stock, and not just a flimsy piece of junk. A 1:12" twist would be OK, but personally I feel a 1:9" would be better and allow more flexibility. Not a deal breaker though. The rifle will be run with a suppressor and the barrel will get chopped down at least to 20", and maybe even 18". Micro action or compact models would be a plus as well.
Most important would be a brand/model known for producing good accuracy out of a the box. No guarantees I know, but for sure trying to avoid some brands that are known to be problematic. We can bed/tinker/tune as needed, just don't want to get into the wholesale replacement of parts on a new rifle. Basically take it, tweak it, and shoot it.
He wants it in 223 just to have something very economical to do some high volume practice with, yet still be able to shoot coyotes out to 250 yards or so. He will be reloading for it also. Obviously, he wants the best quality rifle he can get for the money, yet still stay within some kind of moderate budget. He already has a Leupold 4.5x14 VX3 can can put on it, so glass is taken care of.
He likes my CZ-527, but that would be pushing the top end of his budget, about the $650-700 range. Honestly around $500-$550 would fit his price range much better.
So what are you guys recommendations at to some rifles he should go look at and fondle at the gun stores as he searches?
His criteria is a sporter weight 223, something nice and easy to carry. Blued finish is fine, I can always cerakote it for him if he wants that later. Same on the stock, decent wood would be fine, but a synthetic I could do some cerakote camo on it for him would work as well. He would prefer one with a decently stable stock, and not just a flimsy piece of junk. A 1:12" twist would be OK, but personally I feel a 1:9" would be better and allow more flexibility. Not a deal breaker though. The rifle will be run with a suppressor and the barrel will get chopped down at least to 20", and maybe even 18". Micro action or compact models would be a plus as well.
Most important would be a brand/model known for producing good accuracy out of a the box. No guarantees I know, but for sure trying to avoid some brands that are known to be problematic. We can bed/tinker/tune as needed, just don't want to get into the wholesale replacement of parts on a new rifle. Basically take it, tweak it, and shoot it.
He wants it in 223 just to have something very economical to do some high volume practice with, yet still be able to shoot coyotes out to 250 yards or so. He will be reloading for it also. Obviously, he wants the best quality rifle he can get for the money, yet still stay within some kind of moderate budget. He already has a Leupold 4.5x14 VX3 can can put on it, so glass is taken care of.
He likes my CZ-527, but that would be pushing the top end of his budget, about the $650-700 range. Honestly around $500-$550 would fit his price range much better.
So what are you guys recommendations at to some rifles he should go look at and fondle at the gun stores as he searches?
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